teasing

We’ve learned that teasing usually happens when people are frightened and unsure of themselves. Here are some hints to deal with teasing:

• Practice straightforward, assertive responses:
  "I was sick and got some strong medicine. I'm doing ok now...." or "I look like this ‘cuz I was sick and had to take strong medicine that had some nasty side-effects.”
  
  
  
• If you wear a wig or a hat, you can get permission to wear them at school. You can look stylish and cool, even if you are bald. In fact, your friends may want to help. The idea is to try and get as comfortable as possible.
  
• Remember, people treat you according to how you feel about yourself. If you feel ashamed and try to hide your recovery, people will tend to notice that and pick on you. Feeling as confident as you can (and we know this isn’t easy) is one of the best ways to keep teasing to a minimum.
  
• It is OK to ask for help—especially from your close friends and teachers or adults that you trust.
  
• Sometimes you may feel really angry at the stupid things people might say. Remember: they’re probably pretty confused about why you look differently, and maybe they’re scared as well. Avoid the temptation to get into “dissing” matches, which usually makes things worse.

Click here to join a Group Loop Online Support Group and connect with other teens.

Thanks to Ernest Katz, Ph.D., Julia Challinor, RN, Ph.D., MA. ED., and Mitch Golant, Ph.D. for their permission to use and adapt the above information.